About the Award
The Public Impact Award, presented by Research Nova Scotia, recognizes a Nova Scotian researcher in academia, a public research institution, government, or the private sector, whose research has benefited Nova Scotians by tangibly improving the economy, environment, healthcare system, or society. The recipient’s work has developed in response to the needs of society, and is solving a problem, managing a risk, or creating an opportunity for Nova Scotians.
The 2023 Public Impact Award will be presented at the 21st Annual Discovery Awards on November 22nd, 2023 at the Halifax Convention Centre.
Discovery Awards, in support of Discovery Centre, celebrates outstanding innovators whose game changing achievements in science and technology put Nova Scotia at the forefront of global innovation.
Congratulations to all of the nominees.

This competition is | CLOSED |
Important Dates | |
Nominations Open | Feb. 21, 2023 at 9a.m. |
Nominations Deadline (Extended) | June 7, 2023 at 1p.m. |
JUMP TO:
ELIGIBILITY
- Nominee is a Nova Scotian researcher in academia, a public research institution, government, or the private sector
- Must be able to clearly demonstrate how their research project or program directly and intentionally benefited Nova Scotians
- Researcher must outline the pathway from research through to achievement of public benefit. Research could start from the discovery or applied stage.
- The nominee should clearly articulate the implementation mechanisms (i.e., policy implementation and/or industry, health system, or not-for-profit uptake)
- NOTE: Previous or current Research Nova Scotia funding is not required.
Nominations
Nominations for the Public Impact Award will be managed through Research Nova Scotia’s grant management platform, JURA.
New to the system? Create an account or login.
Once logged in, Nominate a Candidate by clicking “Funding Opportunities” in the top left and select “Public Impact Award Nomination Form.”
Nominations close June 7, 2023 at 1p.m.
Selection Process
The Public Impact Award recipient will be selected by a jury comprising 4 – 6 members appointed by Research Nova Scotia, including a representative from the Discovery Awards, who is not directly affiliated with an academic or other research institution. Other members of the jury will be selected based on subject matter expertise relevant to award finalists.
JURA Technical Information and Support
Please review the following information prior to beginning your nomination in JURA.
- Nomination information entered in JURA is NOT automatically saved. Click the blue ‘Save Draft’ button frequently to ensure that you do not lose any information.
- Once started, nomination forms can be found under the ‘In Progress Applications’ section of the Jura homepage. You may continue to work on your submission until the nomination deadline.
- When your application is complete, select ‘submit’. Confirmation of successful submission will be available in your Jura homepage under ‘Submitted Applications’ and a copy of your submission will be sent to the email address used during registration.
- If you require technical support while creating your application, please contact the RNS Jura helpdesk at helpdesk@researchns.ca.
- Jura Helpdesk hours are 8am-4pm ADT Monday to Friday. Responses will be provided as soon as possible but please allow up to 24 hours for a response.
NEW TO JURA: EDIA Questionnaire.
All submissions to Research Nova Scotia must be accompanied by an EDIA Declaration for the Primary Applicant.
Application Details/Questions
- Nominator Details (Name, Position, Organization, Address, Phone Number, Email Address)
- Nominee Details (Name, Position, Organization, Address, Phone Number, Email Address)
- I have notified this person that I am nominating them Yes / No NOTE: Nominees may be contacted to answer additional questions following your nomination.
- Please explain why this nominee deserves to be nominated for the Public Impact Award (250 words)
- Clearly demonstrate how the nominee’s research project or program directly and intentionally benefited Nova Scotians (250 words)
- Please describe the pathway from research through to achievement of public benefit. Research could start from the discovery or applied stage (300 words)
- Provide any additional information about the nominee and their achievements that should be considered with respect to the award (250 words)
- Is the nominee a Nova Scotian researcher in: Academia, Public Research Institution, Government, Private Sector
- Additional Information. Supporting attachments are welcome (i.e. links, media, past awards, feature stories, testimonials, etc.)
“Research Nova Scotia is proud to partner with the Discovery Centre and Discovery Awards teams to present the Public Impact Award. This award is intended to showcase researchers who are tangibly improving our economy, environment, healthcare system, or society.”
Stefan Leslie, CEO of Research Nova Scotia
2022 Finalists
Dr. Timothy Webster, Nova Scotia Community College
Dr. David Percival, Dalhousie University
Professor Jennifer Llewellyn, Dalhousie University
Learn more about the finalists.
About the Discovery Awards
The Discovery Awards are all about celebrating outstanding innovators whose game-changing achievements have helped to make Nova Scotia a leader on the world stage. As the marquee fundraiser, all proceeds directly support the Discovery Centre’s not-for-profit mission, enabling us to provide the very best in hands-on STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) for youth from one end of the province to the other.